The Prime Minister's visit to the "cradle of civilization" was to sign a visa waiver agreement with Ethiopia and to strengthen diplomatic ties between the two countries.

The nine member delegation included Mrs. Eloise Gonsalves; Senior Crown Council Camillo Gonsalves; Ambassador to the United States Ellsworth John, and Director of the Agency for Public Information St. Clair Jimmy Prince. The Prime Minister was also accompanied by four members of the Rastafarian community in the persons of Nigel St. Hillaire, Ronald Hypolyte, Cauldric Delplesche, and Philbert Bascombe.

Ethiopia is the spiritual home of the Rastafarians and it is every Rastafarian dream to visit the homeland. The Brethren were overwhelmed by the trip especially as they were able to visit their counterparts, in the commune of Shashamene.

The Prime Minister meanwhile held talks with Ethiopian President Girma Wolde Giorgis, and Prime Minister Meles Zenawi. At the signing of the visa waiver agreement Prime Minister Gonsalves said the implications are revolutionary and will pave the way for the deepening of connections between both countries. He said that Ethiopia holds a special place in the minds of the people of the Caribbean.

The landmark visit of the Vincentian Prime Minister to the home of the African Union Secretariat comes at a time when the continent is consolidating links with the African diaspora. Accordingly Prime Minister Gonsalves reiterated his call for the setting up of an African-Caribbean Brazil Commission and the further strengthening of Air and Sea links among these three components of the diaspora.

The visit ended with a trip to Shashamene where the Rastafarians greeted the delegation with open arms at an emotionally charged ceremony at the tabernacle.